Report filed by: Pearl Awo Boso, Editor-in-Chief, Pharmaceutical Students Federation

The Ghana Pharmaceutical Students Federation wrapped up its Annual General Conference and Drug Safety Campaign (DSC) in the Volta Region with the theme “Every Pill Matters: Ensuring Safe Medication Use for All.” This year’s event brought together an enthusiastic mix of pharmacy students, professionals, and key players from the pharmaceutical sector, all rallying around the cause of safe medication practices across Ghana.

Kicking off the conference, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh welcomed attendees with a message that highlights the vital role of students in the pharmacy field.  Concerned by the startling statistic that nearly half of all medications are incorrectly prescribed or dispensed, the PSGH President stressed the shared responsibility to combat this issue. He encouraged students to take an active role in promoting safe medication use in their communities, asserting that pharmacists are on the frontlines of ensuring each pill makes a positive impact.

Following the President’s remarks, the thematic speaker, Dr. Yvonne Yirenkyiwaa Essesku brought a personal touch to the discussion, recalling her early involvement with the Drug Safety Campaign 30 years ago. She emphasized that proper medication dosing—avoiding both underuse and overuse—is key to safeguarding health and preventing drug resistance. With passion, she urged pharmacists and students to become advocates for safe medication practices, encouraging students to leverage the Drug Safety Campaign as a platform to build knowledge and influence policy.

Adding a regulatory perspective, a representative of Ghana’s Food and Drug Authority (FDA), Pharm. Dr. (Mrs) Akua O.  Amartey spoke about the FDA’s commitment to high standards for medication production through Good Manufacturing Practices. Pharmacists, the representative noted, play a crucial role in maintaining these standards by reporting any adverse effects patients experience. Looking ahead, the FDA revealed plans to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to improve the monitoring of adverse drug reactions—an innovative move that could significantly enhance patient safety.

A guest speaker, Pharm. Dr. John Allotey highlighted the need for careful attention to safety protocols at every level of pharmacy practice, particularly within community settings. He emphasized that tracking patient history and maintaining profiles allows pharmacists to deliver safer, more personalized care. Echoing the event’s theme, he encouraged attendees to leave a legacy of positive impact in medication safety, reminding them that “impact is immortality” in the ever-evolving world of pharmacy.

A lively panel discussion on leadership added a reflective note to the conference. Student leaders and alumni shared insights on how to grow within the pharmaceutical profession, stressing that flexibility, vision, and self-awareness are essential for leadership. Memorable remarks included “Your network is your net worth” and “Sometimes as a leader, you need to put the association’s vision before your own.” The discussion left students inspired to take on leadership roles within the profession.